Learning never stops…

App of the Week#6: Collins Big Cat

What is it?

Collins Big Cat Storybooks are a collection of free storybooks for young children. Each iPad app is a different story, with 8 stories to download.

Why should I download it?

Collins Big Cat Storybooks have 3 options for reading: Read to me, Read by myself and Story Creator. Having the story read to your child allows them to focus on the words as they are highlighted, whereas Read by myself gives your child the opportunity to practise their own reading skills. The Story Creator option is a chance for your child to retell the story – they get to build the scene, choose the characters and then record their own voice telling the story.

What do I use it for?

Collins Big Cat Storybooks could be used for a variety of activities. There are the ‘Listen to Reading’ opportunities and simply just reading the book, but by working in pairs to use the Story Creator option, students allow themselves to discuss the story. Building the story themselves helps them have a deeper understanding of what has happened, which is perfect for checking their comprehension and reading fluency. Sharing their story with an audience, hearing their own voice is something that most children love!